Scholarships and Haigazian Endowment Campaign: Reflecting on University’s Impact from a Distance

Haigazian scholarships are in even greater demand now, Darakjian told me. Several students are Syrian refugees who need help with housing as well as tuition because their families have lost everything. She put me in touch with university staff and through them, I was able to reach out to students and ask them about their experiences.

Christine, from Damascus, is starting her third year and majoring in Armenian Studies. She deeply appreciates the support and care she’s receiving, is doing well in her classes, and plans to get a master’s degree. “When I came to Lebanon, I faced some difficulties, but I am lucky that I could study at Haigazian. I chose this major first because I love the Armenian language and second because of a lack of Armenian schools in Damascus, which prompted me to think about doing something to encourage learning Armenian.” She’s convinced that in every country there is a need for teachers and encouragement of Armenian language.

Dzaghig, from Kessab, is studying Elementary Education with an emphasis on Armenian Studies. “I faced some language difficulties during my first semester. It was not easy for me, as someone educated in Syria, to switch from an all-Arabic university to an all-English institution. However, with extra effort I was able to be placed on the dean’s list for two semesters.” Dzaghig’s goals are to benefit as much as possible from the courses she’s taking, to graduate with honors, and in her career to be someone who can influence and benefit others, especially those in the Armenian community. “As an Armenian, pursuing higher education at Haigazian is a great opportunity, and it makes me proud, because Haigazian is the only Armenian university in the Arab world, and it has a great reputation in educating both Armenians and non-Armenians. Without the scholarship I received, I would not have been able to pursue my higher education, so I am very grateful for the opportunity I have.”

George, from Aleppo, is working toward a B.S. in computer science, then a Master’s degree in Computer & Communications Engineering. He’s also worked hard as a professional IT support technician. “I had to work long hours in order to continue my academic career, which affected my performance and grades. The Financial Aid Committee at Haigazian did their best to help every student that needed aid. Higher education today is a must, and education itself is ‘wider’ today than it ever was. As Armenian students, we are pleased to pursue higher education to the ‘information limit of today’! And also to expand these limits with our knowledge and persistence, and with Haigazian’s support and aid.”

Talar, also from Aleppo, is a business student. “Haigazian is helping me through my academic years, and I am very thankful because honestly, I wouldn’t be able to continue not even for a semester without financial aid. I have always wanted to be part of the business world around me, and that’s why I chose business administration with an emphasis in management information systems. I am working hard toward my goal and dream of working in a big and successful company like Google.”

The students I heard from clearly aspire to give back, as those who came before them are now doing. The original purpose of Haigazian was to prepare leaders for the Armenian communities in the Near East; alumni include many clergy, teachers, community leaders and ambassadors serving all over the world. Darakjian’s father, Rev. Barkev Darakjian, started his higher education with a scholarship at Haigazian and has served as a pastor, teacher, writer, editor and intellectual leader.